5 Best Original SuperHero Movies

 

Last week was the 30th anniversary of Damon Wayans superhero comedy BlankMan. Acknowledging the film's anniversary, got me thinking about superhero movies not based on comic books. Depend on who you ask BlankMan is one of the best original superhero movies ever created, while good I wouldn't quite go there. Here's my 5 best original superhero movies.

5. Big Hero 6

For the life of me, I don't understand why Big Hero 6 is not more popular. Released in 2014, the film follows a young teenager Hiro who is essentially a child prodigy and his robot Baymax. Along with his friends they become a group of superheroes protecting the city of San Fransokyo. The story is more so about how they got to the point of being superheroes. Covering the friendship between Hiro and Baymax, as well as Hiro's relationship with his older brother Tadashi. The film also covers grief, betrayal, and self-doubt strong subject matter for Disney films. 

4. Incredibles

The older I get, the more relatable The Incredibles becomes. The basic premise of the film is former superhero Mr. Incredible (civilian name Bob Parr) is a middle-aged man supporting his wife and three kids. He's experiencing a bit of a middle life crisis in the mundane day to day life and yearns to get back in the thick of things. He get's his wish when a new supervillain wrecks havoc on the town, along with his old sidekick Fro-zone and his family they save the day. As 40 come's knocking I totally can relate to that. 

3. Darkman

Before Sam Raimi directed the Spider-Man trilogy of films starring Toby Maguire in the 2000's, he directed an off-beat original superhero movie called Darkman. Starring Liam Neeson in the original and Arnold Vosloo (Imhotep in The Mummy films) in the two direct to cable sequels. The main character is Peyton Westlake a scientist who is working on synthetic skin for burn victims, after he himself becomes a burn victim due to criminals attacking him. He uses his synthetic skin and new found strength to exact revenge.

The film is very grounded in reality, while also paying homage to the noir genre of film. It's very underrated, and was the catalyst for Raimi eventually directing Spider-Man.

2. Meteor Man

If you know me, you know I love Robert Townsend's 1993 film Meteor Man. The film follows Townsend's Jefferson Reed a Washington D.C. school teacher who is struck by a meteor fragment and gains new powers. He uses these newfound powers to save the neighborhood from the campy drug dealers The Golden Lords led by Simon, complete with all members sporting gold hair and gold accented throughout their attire. 

The movie featured a who's who of Black talent in Hollywood at the time, is funny and a tad bit inspiring. The movie never take's itself too serious and set's out to feel like a live comic book when comic book films weren't  necessarily popular. It's a shame the movie isn't more revered as it truly is special.

1. Hancock

Hancock for all intents and purposes should have been a franchise, with at least a trilogy of films. The 2008 film stars Will Smith as an alcoholic bum superhero, who causes massive damage whenever he feel's like saving the day. He has a love/hate relationship with the general public and officials of L.A. He saves Jason Bateman's advertising executive character Ray Embrey who help's him rehabilitate his image. Hancock soon learn's more about himself thanks to Ray's mysterious wife Mary, while saving the city from a criminal out for revenge.

Besides the interesting take of a disgruntled superhero that doesnt want to be one, the film has quality jokes, good special effects and decent fight scenes. The backstory between Hancock and Mary and their past deserved to be covered more in sequels. I was really intrigued by that backstory and it made the film have it's own mythology much like a comic book.

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Great TV Show You Never Heard Of: M.A.N.T.I.S.

 

Today is the 30th anniversary of M.A.N.T.I.S. a superhero drama that debuted on Fox network August 26th, 1994, and chances are you've probably never heard of it. M.A.N.T.I.S. starred Carl Lumby (Isaiah Bradley in Falcon and Winter Soldier) as Dr. Miles Hawkins. A billionaire advocate for the community, who is paralyzed in a incident involving the police. After losing a lawsuit against the police department, and uncovering a conspiracy against the Black community. Mile's set's out to fight the injustices and use his wealth to help him. He use's an exoskeleton suit he developed that allows him to walk while wearing it and set's out on his mission to fight crime. Finding along the way the mastermind of crime in the city is a former associate Solomon Box, the recurring villain of the series.

During it's first season M.A.N.T.I.S. spoke about several issues that affected the Black community. Using action and science-fiction to educate and entertain, which at that time was still a rarity especially on network television. Miles had several tools at his disposal to aid in his crime fighting efforts and his wealth and brains rivaled that of comic icons like Tony Stark and Bruce Wayne. The show was retooled in the second season to be a bit more wacky and that led to his ultimate cancellation.

Despite only lasting two seasons the show was ahead of it's time. Dr. Miles Hawkins was Black and disabled, a rare portrayal on network television at that time. Mentioned earlier in the blog many of his missions were done to aid the Black community from the abuse of authority in the police department and corporations...sound a bit familiar? 

Even though Black Lighting was a comic book first, if you were to watch M.A.N.T.I.S. you would notice so many similarities between both TV series. The show was truly ahead of it's time and it's not only a shame that it did not last longer, but that it's legacy has been forgotten to the passage of time. 

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Where Cable Went Wrong And Continues To Go Wrong

 

Recent entertainment headlines have highlighted, just how bad things are for traditional and cable TV. First Warner Bros. Discovery realized they were in shits creek with no paddle, when the NBA awarded a TV package to prime video over them. Then WBD and Paramount released figures and shared they were $9 billion and $11 billion respectively, in writes off due to their portfolios of cable networks no longer cutting it.

On the surface it may seem like streaming is leaving cable in the dust. While they maybe true...not so fast. The streaming wars that kicked off in the mid 2010's are losing steam, due to overstaturation and price increases with the content not meeting the price. Disney recently announced price hikes for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Pissed maybe an understatement for most people when they heard the news.

 While they keep raising prices. Companies have started to reevaluate can their individual platforms survive on their own or do they need to partner up? Many of these same companies are losing sleep over declining cable revenue which was their bread and butter at one time.

Both streaming and cables decline point to a lack of innovation in the media conglomerate world, namely a lack of rethinking cable television. Now cable TV and streaming operate in two ecosystems, streaming is mostly subscriber and ad based. Cable networks rely on ads and "subscriber fees" they charge cable carriers to broadcast their network. 

When Netflix took off and people were cutting the cord in droves. Cable networks and cable companies most owned by conglomerates were too slow and neglectful to adapt. They operated and continue to operate in this more is better mantra that was the ideals of the 90s and 2000s eras of excess.

500 plus channels of mainly niche programming, when people only watch 10 if that and don't have time for much else. Cable networks also got lazy and started rotating "marathons" of the same show. USA network and MTV are notorious for that. Instead of streamlining networks, they kept the status quo while still charging insane monthly premiums. They also pushed a lot of content to streaming, even hard to find content.

Besides today's viewership mostly on the web. People just do not want to switch between 40 channels, and not being able to find one thing that interests them. It's annoying enough on streaming apps.

In order for cable to truly survive, they not only need to reinvent cable. They need to minimize the saturation of cable channels and improve the cable experience and price for consumers. Cable TV is now in survival mode and if they want to keep eating, they have to get their ass up and go to work.

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MY Top 10 Disney Channel Movies

 

The other night my wife and I sat down with our daughter for a movie night, looking through Disney + and some of the favorites we grew up on. We started talking about the best Disney Channel original movies, back in the 90's and 2000's the Disney Channel dropped some gems of movies. Sure they are low budget and cheesy, but many of them still are very good today. I decided to share my list of the top ten Disney Channel Movies 

10. Zenon Girl of The 21st Century

I'll admit I did not watch Zenon Girl of the 21st Century until recently, when it debuted in 1999 I was 13 years old and didn't have time to watch a movie for girls. However, looking at it now it is a very quirky and good movie. It follows Zenon played by Kirsten Storms, and her best friend Nebula played by Raven-Symone. They live on a space station in the year 2049 (geez only 25 years from now), anyway after some mischief Zenon is sent to Earth as punishment. Having a hard time fitting in, she soon learns of a plot to upload the space station with a virus and crash it to collect the insurance money. Using her wit she set's out to save the day.

9. Brink

Brink! is a late 90's movie that capitalized on the extreme sports movement of the 90's. Namely skateboarding, rollerblading, and wild bike tricks. Main character Brink (Erik Von Detten) leads a group of roller bladers dubbed The Soul Skaters, they reject corporate sponsorship in favor of having fun and are enemies with corporate backed group Team X-Bladz led by Val (Sam Horrigan aka Spike from Little Giants). When Brink learns his family has some financial troubles, he has to go against his morals for his family, even if it means losing his friends. 

8. Smart House

Smart House was ahead of it's time, which considering it was a kid themed film is an amazing feat. A young boy named Ben (Ryan Merriman), still grieving his mothers passing enters into a contest to win a smart home. When he win's he alongside his father and sister move into the smart house, ran by virtual assistant PAT who is very territorial, they adjust to life being simpler. Until Ben decides to program PAT to have the characteristics of a traditional 1950's mom, and PAT (Katey Segal) becomes overbearing eventually aiming to take over the house and family completely. 

7. Phantom Of The Megaplex

Based on the traditional Phantom Of The Opera story, the film follows teenage movie theater assistant manager Pete (Taylor Handley). Taylor is spending the summer getting the theater together for the premiere of a big Hollywood production to be held at the theater. Suddenly random occurrences happen at the theater, broken equipment, mishaps during showings and everything in between. Pete, his younger siblings, and friends work to determine if this all by coincide, or the rumored Phantom a haunted ghost of the building is behind these efforts.  

6. Up Up And Away

Up, Up, and Away is a 2000 superhero film, but superhero's really took off and what it makes it even more special is it features a family of Black superheroes. Robert Townsend starred and directed this film, he leads the family of superheroes who's teenage son has yet to acquire his powers. He soon starts to develop them as a group of eco-criminals descend upon town using CD disc to brainwash residents into performing criminal task on their behalf. The film has an important underlying message about things will come to you, when the time is right. 

5.Don't look under The Bed

To be honest this is one scary ass movie, the fact that is made for kids can be more terrifying. Teenage Frances (Erin Chambers)  has been noticing some strange Eerie, Indiana type stuff going on in her town. She soon encounters a young man named Larry Houdini, who only she and other children can see who starts putting her on to what is going on. He lets her know The Boogeyman is framing her and coming after her. The Boogeyman in this film is scary as hell, and the film is simply scary as hell. Just watch it.

4. Let It Shine

Let It Shine debuted in 2012 which means I was well into my 20's when it premiered. However, my younger cousins would watch it all the time, I had no choice but to sit down and watch it. And damn it honestly is a good movie, starring Tyler James Williams (Everybody Hates Chris, Abbott Elementary), CoCo Jones, Courtney B. Vance, and Trevor Jackson (Grown-ish). Tyler stars as Cyrus also known as Truth who raps under a low profile because his father who is a preacher doesnt approve. Meanwhile childhood friend and now music sensation Roxie (Coco Jones) mistakes Kris (Trevor Jackson) as Truth. They must keep the rust going, while Cyrus battles revealing the truth to Roxie and his dad. 

The movie has some bangers for songs by the way.

3. Jett Jackson: The Movie

                                 

The Famous Jett Jackson was my TV show especially because it focused on a young boy who was a TV star filming in his hometown. Since I've always been infatuated with the filmmaking process the show just resonated with me. A couple years after it's premiere, Disney released a movie with the plot being Jett Jackson get's sucked into the world of his TV series SilverStone and Silverstone take's Jett's place in the real world. A typical switch-o-roo where both learn to appreciate what they have, but man what a fun ride in the process.

2. Halloweentown

Halloweentown is still revered 26 years later which is a testament to how good of a film it is. I'll admit I was very late to the Halloweentown party, but I still appreciate it for the classic it is. Marnie, and her two siblings Dylan and Sophie look forward to Halloween every year, while their mom not so much. Upon a visit from their grandmother Gwen, they soon learn about a place called Halloweentown and that they come from a line of witches and warlocks. Soon they are transported to Halloweentown and must save the town and their family from Kabblar. 

It's a must watch every spooky season, so if you were late to the party like me get on board. 

1.Johnny Tsunami

If you ask most 90's kids Johnny Tsunami is the apex of Disney channel movies. In fact you may side eye a 90's kid if they admit they have never seen it. The film follows young Hawaiian surfer Johnny Kapulaha, he has already mastered the waves at the young age of 13. However, he must master a new skill when his father's job send's them to Vermont. He take's on snowboarding, as well as culture and wealth clashes alongside his new friend Sam (Lee Thompson Young), and his crush Emily (Kristen Storm).  The film is one cool movie that still holds up today. 

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Why The Wood Still Holds Up 25 Years Later

 

In the summer of 1999 blockbusters films such as The Mummy, Wild Wild West, American Pie, and Blair Witch Project were released. Amidst the crowd was a low budget coming of age movie called The Wood. This week marked the 25th anniversary of The Wood and the film is a hidden gem in the world of cinema that is in all actuality a classic.

The film features present day best friends Mike (Omar Epps), Roland (Taye Diggs), and Slim (Richard T. Jones) tryna make it to Roland's wedding as he goes awol earlier in the day. Throughout they reminisce about their time growing up. That's where the heart of the movie comes into featuring young Mike (Sean T. Nelson), young Roland (Trent Cameron), and young Slim (Duane Finley).

The three friends truly come of age in the flashback scenes. Learning about life via crushes, losing their virginity, tips to talk to young ladies and staying out of trouble. They also frequently crack on each other which is what friends do.

The movie is not only a coming of age story for young Black males. It also is about brotherhood and that foundation that its built on. You truly believe these guys have been friends for years. Message of the film aside, it is a damn funny movie regarding everyday life. It also had a soundtrack that could be in the conversation as one of the best movie soundtracks ever. 

First seeing the film when I was 13 Years old, I thought it was enjoyable, and relatable with some of the puberty jokes. Now as a adult I really appreciate the movie for capturing the magic that is young friendships/brotherhoods, especially amongst young Black men.

25 Year's later, I will still watch the movie and laugh like it's my first time seeing it. I'll randomly say in a down south accent "Stacey!", and discuss the benefits of tic tacs.

And forever stand around and say the words Mackin and hanging.

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Julie Pierce Must Appear In Cobra Kai

 

The first half of the final season of Cobra Kai descends upon us next week. Recent trailers have shared that Mike Barnes will assist Daniel and Johnny in training their students for the Sekai Taikai tournament. The trailer also hints Mr. Miyagi has kept some "secrets", possibly a training philosophy he never shared? Or maybe he only one shared with one person?

That one person being his only other known pupil Julie Pierce, played by Hilary Swank in The Next Karate Kid. It's no secret that since Cobra Kai became a runaway hit starting with his first season on YouTube Red. Fans have been clamoring for Daniel and Julie to cross paths. The calls increased as the show bought back several minor characters from the film's. Characters such as Johnny's old Cobra Kai buddies, and Yuna the young girl Daniel saved in Karate Kid II.

While Hilary Swank is a bigger star than those actors and much busier. Fans can't help but hope she enters the final season with a bang to help Daniel out. Even if Swank does not appear herself, some sort of acknowledgement of Julie in the series maybe enough for most fans. 

I wrote a blog at the end of season 3 of remaining characters we need to see. Julie was number one then and is still number one. It would be a disappointment to fans and a disservice to the series, if she is not included in some form. Let's hope the series creators have a big surprise up their sleeve, that will leave fans very statisfied.

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Five Cult Classic Beach Movies

 

Heading into the fourth of July holiday and the dog days of summer, many people are making plans to hit the beach to beat the heat. I randomly thought about beach movies and while everyone know's films like JAWS, Weekend At Bernies or Baywatch. I started thinking about the cult classic beach movies that deserve more love. With that let's get started on five cult classic beach movies.

5. Miracle Beach

Miracle Beach is a 1992 film that was a staple of the Showtime/The Movie Channel family back in the day. It stars Dean Cameron who while never a big star, was one of those consistent working actors when you see him you go oh that guy. And Ami Dolenz who is best known as Fran in 1987's Can't Buy Me Love. Legendary actor Pat Morita has a role in the film as a older wise friend of Dean's character Scotty. Scotty is a beach bum who stumbles upon a Genie's lamp and out comes Jeannie played by Ami.

While Jeannie grant's Scotty his three wishes leading to riches and popularity on the beach, as well as a supermodel girlfriend. She can't help but fall in love with him, while he has to learn the tough lesson of what really matters. That's the plot of the movie nothing more, nothing less. It has the makings of a 90's film, corny dialogue and lots of nudity. The actors try but it is a straight b-movie, that has developed a cult following over the years. I recently saw it available to stream which highlights the hold it has to this day.

4. Back To The Beach

                                                       

During the 1960's Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon starred in an series of Beach themed films. These films catered to teens of that time were very formulaic. They were generally comedies, very limited plots, campy acting, surfing and the beach life were the main topics and most of all spread the message to have a good time and party. The genre died out by the 60's into the 70's and in the mid 80's someone had a light bulb moment to revisit that time.

Back At The Beach features Annette and Frankie as a middle aged couple who return back to the beach for a family vacation and in the process rekindle their relationship both romantically and with their children. Much like Coming 2 America, the film is essentially a homage to their original beach films. With plenty of references and gags to tie things together. Cameo's but actors of those films, and pop culture celebs of the 80's. Pee-Wee Herman even make's an appearance in the film. It's a very campy movie, but it is fun and mindless and does not take itself serious at all. It use to come back local Baltimore station WNUV Channel 54 all the time when it was an independent channel, which is how I watched it. Let your mind free, give a watch and you may become a big Kahuna.

3.Blue Crush

                                                          

Blue Crush is a 2002 film starring Kate Bosworth, Michelle Rodriguez, and actual surfer turned model and actress Sanoe Lake. Along with Bosworth's character's Anne younger sister (Mika Boorman), the four live in Hawaii experiencing the daily grind with hopes of one day surfing on the North Shore of Hawaii. Anne was a aspiring surfer who experienced a terrifying wipeout that left her frightened of the big waves. With the support of her friends and family, and her new love interest in a NFL quarterback Matt Tollman. She soon overcomes those fears, surprising herself and making waves.

The film is about overcoming fears, determination, friendship and sisterhood and of course relationships. In addition competing and being successful in male dominated spaces. It is a great film for young people and the surfing scenes are very realistic. It also play's and updated Banarama's Cruel Summer classic, which anytime that song get's love is a win in my book. 

2. Phat Beach

Phat Beach the  1996 B-move classic stars Jermaine "Huggy" Hopkin and Brian Hooks. Jermaine plays Benny a daydreaming writer, who get's into mischief with his playboy buddy Durrell. Expecting a dismal summer dictated by his parents, Durrell decides to cheer Benny up by devising a scheme to travel to the beach. They take Benny's father's mercedes and head's on down the road, experiencing lust, potential love, some volleyball even Coolio while at the beach. 

The film is considered a hip-hop beach film, which still maybe the only film of that genre almost 30 years later. It has some heart to it, as Benny deals with self-esteem issues and experiencing a first love. It's another film that offers plenty of gratuitous nudity which was a staple of films like this. It's another film if you let your mind free, you really will enjoy it.

1. The Inkwell

I'll admit I did not appreciate The Inkwell until I got older. This 1994 film stars Larenz Tate and Jada Pinkett Smith, with supporting cast members like Duane Martin, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Joe Morton, Suzanne Douglas, Glynn Turman, and Morris Chestnut. Tate play's Drew, a shy loner 16 year that is just different from typical teenage boys his age. His parent's decide to spend a couple of weeks at Martha's Vineyard with relatives, who happen to be very successful and comfortable. Which was a rarity for Black's in America at that time. 

He grow's out of his shell during the time, and experiences his first true flirtatious situation. Experiences heartbreak, and loses his virginity (which is problematic, but if you never seen the film I'll leave out why).  I thought the film was boring when I first saw it as a kid, but it perfectly captures that weird teenage phase and is a true coming of age story. Also exploring topics such as infighting within the Black community regarding the haves and the have nots and political differences. Those butterfly feelings for the first time, and just being an awkward teenager. The film is a cult classic and is still revered to this day while still highly underrated. 

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